Mastermind
Rick Ross · 2014
62 min · 16 tracks · trap music
A lush tapestry of orchestral samples and gritty street narratives that embody the duality of luxury and hardship.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rich Is Gangsta Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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The Devil Is a Lie — This track features a commanding collaboration with Jay-Z that explores themes of deception and ambition, elevating the album’s narrative on power dynamics.
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Mafia Music III — Continuing a series known for its introspective lyrics, this installment showcases Ross's storytelling prowess while commenting on betrayal within his circle.
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Thug Cry — In this emotionally charged track, Ross reflects on vulnerability amidst bravado, delivering a poignant commentary on the complexities of masculinity in hip-hop culture.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mastermind blends orchestral elements with trap, showcasing strong production but uneven pacing due to interludes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cinematic intro that sets a dramatic tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive beats and reflective lyrics.
- Several tracks feature orchestral samples layered over trap beats, creating a contrast between luxury and street narratives.
- The sequencing includes interludes, such as the skit in track 12, which disrupts the flow but adds to the thematic depth of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing fluctuations
- reflective moments of contemplation
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Ross's artistic ambition and production quality, marking a high point in his career.
- Career context
- By the time Rick Ross released Mastermind in 2014, he was firmly established as a key player in hip-hop following his breakthrough with 2006's Port of Miami and subsequent hits like God Forgives, I Don't. This album arrived after a period of significant public scrutiny, including health scares and legal issues, which added weight to his lyrics reflecting on success and survival.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jeezy· Gucci Mane· T.I.
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 1:02
- 2 Rich Is Gangsta Start here 3:17
- 3 Drug Dealers Dream 4:03
- 4 Shots Fired 0:54
- 5 Nobody 4:41
- 6 The Devil Is a Lie 5:11
- 7 Mafia Music III 5:07
- 8 War Ready 7:04
- 9 What a Shame 2:15
- 10 Supreme 3:38
- 11 Blk & Wht 4:00
- 12 Dope Bitch (skit) 2:53
- 13 In Vein 4:22
- 14 Sanctified 4:50
- 15 Walkin’ on Air 4:29
- 16 Thug Cry 4:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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